Elmore Nixon

Elmore Nixon (November 17, 1933 – June 1975) was an American jump blues pianist and singer. His piano playing accompanied several artists on their recordings, including Peppermint Harris, Clifton Chenier and Lightnin' Hopkins, as well as releasing a number of singles under his own name. Details of his life outside of his recording career are sketchy.

Biography He was born in Crowley, Louisiana, United States. It was the commencement of an almost decade long, continuous career, in the recording studio for Nixon, working with a number of record labels. He became a de facto member of Henry Hayes' Four Kings, who were also credited as Henry Hayes Orchestra and Henry Hayes Band. Apart from Hayes and Nixon, the ensemble regularly included Carl Campbell, Milton Willis, L.C. Williams, Hubert Robinson, Ivory Lee and Hop Wilson. Nixon played predominately in a jump blues style. Further single releases occurred over the next six years for labels including Peacock, Mercury, Savoy, and Post. His only commercial success came with the self-penned "Alabama Blues", which was later recorded by other musicians.

During the mid-1960s, Nixon recorded with Clifton Chenier, on the latter's sessions for Arhoolie Records. He also supplied piano backing for Lightnin' Hopkins, when Hopkins recorded sides with Jewel Records. Apart from recording work, Nixon toured with his own band, performing largely in Texas and Louisiana.

Nixon underwent major surgery in 1970, which curtailed his activities and was in poor health until he died in June 1975, in Houston, Texas, U.S. at the age of 41.

Selected discography Singles Year A-side B-side Record label Credited to 1949 "Foolish Love" "It's A Sad Sad World" Sittin' in With Elmore Nix and his Hadacol Boys 1950 "Searching Blues" "I'm Moving Out" Sittin' in With Elmore Nixon 1950 "Alabama Blues" "Sad and Blue" Peacock Records Elmore Nixon 1951 "You See Me Smiling" "A Hepcat's Advice" Peacock Records Elmore Nixon 1952 "Playboy Blues" "Million Dollar Blues" Mercury Records Elmore Nixon 1953 "Elmore's Blues" "Sad and Blue" Savoy Records Elmore Nixon with Henry Hayes Orchestra 1953 "Forgive Me Baby" "Over Here Pretty Baby" Savoy Records Henry Hayes Orchestra With Elmore Nixon 1953 "Last Nite" "If You'll Be My Love" Savoy Records Henry Hayes Orchestra With Elmore Nixon 1955 "Don't Do It" "The Women" Post Records Elmore Nixon 1955 "A Broken Heart" "You Left Me" Post Records Elmore Nixon

Compilation albums Year Title Record label Credited to 1985 Shout & Rock Sundown Records Peppermint Harris & Elmore Nixon